By Morkpokpor Anku
Accra, March 20 - As announced by the GNA, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.), who has recently been named as the new Director-General of Prisons, becomes only the second woman to hold this prestigious role within the Ghana Prisons Service.
She previously served as the Deputy Director-General of Prisons for Financial and Administrative matters.
On March 14, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama named her for the position. She succeeded Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir, who had been chosen as the Director General of Prisons by ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on October 28, 2021.
She is an experienced professional in corrections and security, having served the Ghana Prisons Service for more than 37 years with commitment.
In 1987, she joined the Service as a recruit equipped with an Advanced Level Certificate and progressed through the junior officer ranks until 1995.
Following her completion of undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana in 1993, she enrolled in the Senior Officer Corps upon finishing the Cadet Course in 1994.
Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie assumed multiple permanent and interim leadership roles such as Classroom Instructor, Adjutant, Course Commander, Chief Legal Advisor, and Officer-in-Charge.
She served as the Director of Prison Health, Technology, Services, and Operations, amongst other roles, and was recognized for her adept management of intricate problems spanning multiple fields.
Ms. Baffoe-Bonnie contributed to enhancing employee well-being by tackling legal and administrative issues, formulating policies, reinstating and standardizing benefits, and spearheading reforms aimed at improving conditions for staff members, prisoners, and all parties involved.
As the Chief Legal Advisor, she was responsible for overseeing the examination of both the Prison Service Bill and the Parole Bill. She also assisted in enacting rules concerning prison general administration and discipline.
At the James Camp Prisons, she implemented concepts to enhance prison administration, concentrating on rehabilitation, reform, and reintegration efforts, transforming the institution into an exemplary facility.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie, who was serving as the Deputy Director of Prisons at the time, effectively lobbied for assistance from both domestic and foreign organizations, along with philanthropists and donors.
Religious organizations, ensuring crucial medical supplies were available, spearheaded the creation and enforcement of healthcare policies to safeguard both prison personnel and prisoners.
She additionally engaged with the judicial system to obtain a provisional restriction against directly incarcerating individuals into prisons and suggested setting up specific intake centers for newly admitted prisoners.
These steps helped Ghana Prisons attain a zero-fatality rate throughout the pandemic, positioning it as one of the most secure prison systems worldwide.
She implemented continuous organic agriculture practices to minimize crop loss after harvesting and encourage product enhancement without relying on outside assistance.
The Director-General additionally introduced skill development and creative arts programs as methods for rehabilitating inmates.
Her efforts focused on enhancing employee well-being, fostering professional growth, and establishing secure work environments. Additionally, she promoted revenue-creating ventures aimed at decreasing dependence on public financing.
DGP Patience Baffoe-Bonnie has obtained her Barrister-at-Law qualification along with a Qualifying Certificate from the Ghana School of Law, as well as earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology coupled with Social Work from the University of Ghana, Legon.
She graduated from Tema Secondary, Winneba Secondary, and Nana Osae Djan Experimental Primary School in Nsawam.
She has participated in various local and global training sessions, such as programs focused on international criminal law and justice, corporate governance, strategic leadership, and workforce planning—all of which took place in the UK.
She likewise played a role in the United Nations Mission in Liberia, serving as a planner, consultant, and mentor.
Apart from her career, she finds joy in painting, playing basketball, preparing meals, dancing, exploring new places, and being around kids.
Her commitment and professional excellence have resulted in numerous accolades, such as the Female Pillar of Modern Public Service Award, the HD LeadHERS Xperience Award (Special Recognition for Women Leaders, 2023), and the Ghana Women’s Award (Remarkable Female Prisons Officer, 2013).
She is a mother and spouse.
Ms. Baffoe-Bonnie exemplifies professionalism, honesty, and high-quality service.
She thinks that with proper guidance, the Prison Service could evolve into a contemporary corrections system that significantly supports both economic growth and the nation’s agricultural output, all while ensuring public protection.
Her groundbreaking concepts of leveraging existing talents and resources, particularly in farming and artistic endeavors, aim to transform and grow the capabilities of the Ghana Prisons Service, driving it towards new levels of achievement.
GNA
ABD
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